Adjustment Issues (changes or transitions in your life causing you distress)

Identity exploration

Low self-esteem/self-worth

Issues with attachment to others (sometimes due to unstable childhood or trauma)

I pull from several therapeutic approaches and theories while addressing clinical concerns, including:

Lifespan Integration

Cognitive Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Attachment Theory

Feminist Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

My Approach

An important goal at the start of our work is to build a relationship, and we'll spend time in our first session exploring our ability to do this. I'll take time to assess your needs and therapy goals using a nonjudgmental, open approach so I can do my best to really understand you. If you feel like I'm getting it, and you feel like we're connecting, then I'll suggest that we continue to work together. However, if we're not a good fit, I'm happy to connect you with someone who might be more appropriate for you and your needs. ​As we move forward in our work, I use Judith Herman's Three Phase Model (from Trauma and Recovery) to provide a "counseling road map." Within this model, empowerment is a fundamental component and it underlies all therapeutic work within the phases. The three phases are outlined below, with further details on techniques that I bring into session.

Throughout all of my work, I tend to take a collaborative and active approach. This may include offering in-the-moment feedback or encouraging you to consider looking at something a bit differently. I also seek to empower my clients to be direct with me - this is your experience, and you have the right to feel as if you're getting the most you can out of our time together.

Phase I

Stabilization: We will spend time assessing what feels off-balance in your life. This might include emotional instability (such as high anxiety or sadness), increased conflict in relationships, issues with sex/intimacy, difficulties with sleep, etc.

This phase can also include assessment of disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, including exploration of how these thoughts/behaviors began. We'll spend time exploring your current relationship with food, body, weight, and exercise.

We'll spend time setting goals in the areas that you're struggling with, and we'll explore tools and skills that might help you to feel more grounded and stable. This is also known as establishing self-regulation.

Phase II

Remembering: The second phase explores the issues and experiences from your past that may have contributed to your current difficulties. You may want to process a recent transition in you life, such as the ending of a relationship, or a past traumatic experience. During this phase, it's common to explore family dynamics - seeking to identify what you learned about your self-worth, your body, relationships, and how to cope with emotions.

In this phase, I often utilize an approach called Lifespan Integration. This unique approach allows you to resolve past experiences and memories, decreasing the emotional "charge" or triggers that they cause.​​This phase gives you space to grieve or acknowledge your past, allowing you to move beyond it.

Phase III

﻿Reconnection: At the end of our work, we'll discuss how you can reconnect with meaningful people and activities in your life. Many people who reach this phase feel as if their lives are no longer dictated by their past experience. They feel empowered to make healthy decisions, and they feel capable of living their life with meaning and purpose. ​​